Digital Economy and Fintech in East Java: A Bibliometric Analysis of Research Trends, Themes, and Future Directions

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to provide a comprehensive and data-driven mapping of the knowledge landscape in the field of the digital economy and financial technology (fintech), particularly within the context of East Java, Indonesia. The study examines publication growth, intellectual structures, thematic evolution, and emerging research trends related to digital transformation and fintech adoption within regional economic development. Design/Methods/Approach: This study employs a bibliometric approach using Scopus-indexed publications published between 2008 and 2025. Bibliographic data were analyzed using VOSviewer through publication trend analysis, citation analysis, co-authorship mapping, keyword co-occurrence analysis, and thematic evolution analysis. Network, overlay, and density visualization techniques were utilized to identify intellectual structures, collaboration patterns, and emerging research themes. Findings: The findings reveal that research on the digital economy and fintech in East Java is relatively recent but has expanded rapidly, particularly after 2019, reflecting growing scholarly attention toward digital transformation and fintech-driven regional development. The thematic structure is highly interconnected and dominated by empirical studies on technology adoption, SMEs, and system analysis. The evolutionary trajectory indicates a shift toward behaviorally informed and innovation-oriented research, reflected in emerging themes such as trust, transparency, sustainability, governance, and the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). However, critical themes such as institutional governance, environmental sustainability, and advanced digital technologies remain underexplored. Originality/Value: This study provides one of the first comprehensive bibliometric mappings of digital economy and fintech research specifically within the East Java context, offering a regionalized perspective on intellectual structures and thematic evolution. Practical/Policy Implication: The findings provide strategic insights for policymakers, academics, and practitioners in strengthening fintech ecosystems, SME digitalization, digital inclusion, and sustainable regional economic transformation.